Fecal Egg Counts (FEC)

At Equine Imaging Service, we understand the importance of maintaining the health and well-being of your livestock. One of the most effective ways to monitor and manage internal parasites is through fecal egg count testing. Our advanced testing service provides fast, accurate results to help you make informed decisions about deworming and parasite control.

Why Perform Fecal Egg Count Testing?

Internal parasites can significantly impact the health and performance of your livestock. Regular fecal egg count testing offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Targeted Deworming: Avoid overuse of dewormers by treating animals only when necessary, reducing the risk of parasite resistance.
  • Health Monitoring: Detect and address parasite infestations early to prevent weight loss, poor coat condition, and other health issues.
  • Cost Efficiency: Save money by using dewormers only when needed, rather than applying treatments blindly.
  • Customized Parasite Management: Tailor your deworming program to the specific needs of your herd, improving overall animal health.
  • Prevent Resistance: Avoiding using a wormer unless it is truly needed prevents parasites from developing resistance. There is an increasing amount of resistant internal parasite infection, and we need to be careful to only use when needed.

How It Works

  1. Schedule a Pickup: Contact us to arrange a convenient local pickup of your livestock samples
  2. Collect Your Samples: Gather a few ounces (one horse “apple” is sufficient) and put in a ziplock bag with your horse’s name on it.
  3. Sample Analysis: We process and analyze your samples on the same day  to ensure the most accurate results.
  4. Receive Your Results: We will call or text you  your results and our information guide promptly, empowering you to make informed parasite management decisions.

Our Convenient, Same-Day Service

Equine Imaging Service is committed to providing fast and reliable fecal egg count testing with your convenience in mind. We offer:

  • Local Pickup: No need to worry about transportation—we provide local pickup for your samples.
  • Convenient Payment Methods: We accept cash, check, Venmo and ApplePay.
  • Same-Day Results: Receive accurate results the same day, allowing you to take prompt action if needed. 
  • Expert Analysis: We use the Modified McMaster Test technique to deliver precise and reliable egg counts.

From left to right: Strongyle (closer to hatch), Roundworm, Strongyle, Tapeworm, Pinworm. If these or other parasites are detected in your test, you will be informed.

Results Interpretation

🔹 Low Egg Count (< 200 EPG) → Minimal parasite load

  • Likely no immediate deworming needed.
  • May treat for seasonal parasites or others identified (round, tape, pinworm, etc.)
  • Continue regular monitoring.

🔸 Moderate Egg Count (200-500 EPG) → Consider deworming

  • Deworming recommended if in a herd.
  • Treatment may be necessary depending on animal health, season, and management of seasonal parasites.

🔴 High Egg Count (> 500 EPG) → Significant parasite burden

  • Deworming recommended.
  • Follow-up testing in 10-14 days can evaluate treatment effectiveness.
  • Incorporate environmental control measures like manure removal and pasture rotation.

Our fecal egg count services offer quantitative analysis of parasite eggs present in equine manure to assist in monitoring parasite loads and informing deworming programs. While we strive to provide accurate and timely results, the analysis reflects conditions at the time of sampling and may not capture all parasites present. This service is not a substitute for veterinary care or professional medical advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive parasite management.